Chaska
Delano
Maple Grove
Minnetonka
Spring Park
Main Fax
(952) 473-7908
14, 15 years (female)
Nutrition
Try to eat 3 healthy meals a day. Your performance in school and in other extra activities will respond to what you put into your body (good or bad). You need 3-4 foods a day high in calcium because your bones are at their lifelong peak of strengthening. Milk, yogurt, or calcium-fortified orange juice are options. Also, 2-3 iron-rich foods (iron-fortified cereal, meat, eggs, or green leafy vegetables) a day are recommended to support your blood. And don't forget the fiber — it is known to prevent illnesses such as cancer and diseases of the stomach.
While chips, fries, pop, and donuts taste great, this "junk" food can cheat your body out of what it really needs, and as your growth slows, these foods can start putting on excess weight. Try to limit them for special occasions. Also, try not to get into eating habits that will be tough to break later on, such as eating on the run or in front of the TV. Make a point to eat with your family at least once a day; as your life gets busier this may be the only time you actually see each other some days!
If you are unhappy with your appearance or performance, take a good look at your eating and see what you could change. If you eat well, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly, your body will look, grow and perform at its' best. If you are concerned about your size, please talk to your health care provider.
Wellness Visits
If you want your teeth and gums to be healthy your entire lifetime, take care of them now. Brush well 2-3 times a day and see your dentist 2 times a year.
Teeth
If you find that you need more sleep than you are getting, try to go to bed earlier instead of sleeping in; getting up late can alter your normal body rhythm and make you even more tired during the day and sleepless at night. Also, try not to save all of your "think time" for bedtime — it often delays falling asleep.
Sleep
Always wear your seatbelt in the car and your helmet when biking or in- line skating. We see permanent, life-changing injuries resulting from simple accidents, and NO ONE thought it would happen to them.
Wear sunscreen if you are outside. A great tan is not worth cancer.
Wear your life jacket if boating or near deep water, even if you swim well.
Take your body seriously. Make the decision now not to smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, or have sex. Practice what you would say if someone pressured you. It only takes one mistake to change your life forever. If you have questions about sex, HIV or AIDS, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, please ask your mom, dad, or doctor or nurse practitioner.
Introduce your friends to your family, negotiate your curfew times reasonably, and expect that your parents will want to know where you are.
If you are in sports, make sure the playing areas are kept up well, and all protective equipment fits and is in good shape. Never share head gear.
Remember that driving is a privilege to be taken seriously. Practice. And in case you didn't know, Minnesota State Law prohibits permit holders from using a cell phone while driving.
Safety
Your friends and school activities are important, but try to do a "family" event at least weekly, and sit and talk with your mom or dad a little every day. You may not always agree on things (such as grades, household jobs, curfew, or friends) but talking about your differences helps you understand each other better. You may find that you have special interests in school or in the community, and are starting to think about what you may be interested in doing in the future.
Family & School
Most girls have experienced the body changes of "puberty" by now (breast development, armpit and pubic hair, body odor, and acne). Periods usually start between the ages of 10-16, and girls usually grow 2-3 more inches after that. In regards to acne, the best prevention and treatment is staying healthy on the inside (eating well, drinking water, getting sleep and exercise). Gently wash your face no more than 2 times a day and limit your make-up. Call us if you have concerns.
Boys usually start puberty by ages 12-14 and continue to have body changes from ages 14-19. Their growth spurt is at ages 13-16 so expect them to start growing taller than the girls soon. Body changes can make people excited, nervous, or embarrassed, so respect other people's privacy. If you have any questions about your health, body changes or sexuality, please ask your mom or dad or your health care provider here.
We look forward to seeing you again for a check-up next year!